quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
Jim, as an FYI, Etihad Airways is starting non stop service from LAX to Abu Dhabi to Joberg beginning 1 June 2014.i am traveling with them 28 May but i have to go from LAX then JFK then on to Abu Dhabi. i am trying to change my return ticket to take advantage of the new service and cut out the JFK to LAX leg, but so far there are no first class freq. flyer seats available on the LAX flight. just a thought...

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Thinking of flying Emirates for the first time on our trip to Africa in late March 2015. We are thinking of spending a few days or more in Dubai in order to do some sightseeing.

We are not in the financial bracket to stay in a bazillion dollar skyscraper penthouse. Clean and comfortable is fine with us.

So.........

1) Any area of Dubai to avoid staying in or visiting?

2) Any recommendation of area to stay?

I've started looking online and the hotels seem to be grouped by "areas" with names that I have no knowledge of.

What's on the "must see" list?

We are wide open to suggestions.

Thanks
Jim & Joyce

quote:

Originally posted by bashaw:
Frostbit if you wait until June 17th to make your reservations I will give you a report on my experience of flying through Hong Kong with firearms. I think I've got it figured out but I will let you know. Im assuming your wife is on her way to recovery if you"re booking flights thats awesome. 28 Days and I'm on my way

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Here's a link shared by a friend. If anyone who has experienced Dubai has any first hand opinion of any of the activities listed please chime in.

Activities

quote:

Originally posted by Svinejakt:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Here's a link shared by a friend. If anyone who has experienced Dubai has any first hand opinion of any of the activities listed please chime in.

Activities

Hi,

I have been a couple of times in Dubai. March is probably the best time of year to go. The temperature is about 25-35. Nice weather every day

Couple of recommendations from my trips.
1. Take Joyce to Pierchic. She deserves it It is voted most romantic place in Dubai. We had the set lunch and it was awesome. The view in daytime is great. Pierchic

2. If your in Dubai on Friday, do a friday brunch. It is amazing if you like good food and drinks. I have been to Al Qasr twice and it is amazing. They have every kind of food you can imagine. You pay the fee and eat and drink as much as you want. Voted best brunch in Dubai. Al Qasr

3. Desert (dune) safari. well it`s the safari in Dubai with dinner and belly dancer afterwards. It`s very tourist occasion and I am not often fan of those events, but I actually liked it. Lots of companies do it, don`t chose the cheapest.

4. Visit Burj Al-arab and Burj Khalifa. Worlds only 7 star hotell and worlds highest building with the worlds biggestfountain. We had drinks at the top of burj al arab. It was nice, drinks where quite expensive, but you have to spend a ecrtain amount anyways We had dinner twice outside Burj Khalifa and watched the fountains. Nice to see with lights and music.

Etc etc. We did a lot of stuff and also visited Abu Dhabi, Oman and Qatar while we where there. Remember to arrange reservations everywhere you go. It`s often required and you don`t get in without it. If you have more questions just send me a PM

Best, Svinejakt

quote:

Originally posted by 0007:
I can reccommend the Hilton-By-The-Creek or the Crowne-Plaza. I stayed at the Crowne every time I was in Dubai over a two year period.
When I was leaving the Emerates for the last time I stayed at the Hilton. Found out it was owned by a very old friend and he insisted that the wife and I stay there for a week...
Depending on the budget and how much time you have, Svine's friend has some pretty good suggestions.

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Originally posted by MJines:
Jim, you should ask Buzz about touring in Dubai too. He and Steph have spent some time there since his brother lives there. He may have some recommendations on sites to see, etc.

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Originally posted by Code4:
The family (wife, two teenage daughters and myself) had a stop over in Dubai last year on our way to europe. We had no problems, used public transport and hired our own drivers and Taxi's (which are very cheap). We didn't pre-booked anything and did it all on the run, again without problems.



There are all different ranges of price so you will find what suits your budget. Where you stay will always have some hawker trying to sell you a budget tour (for a cut). Everyone is on the take so be selective and ask plenty of questions and ask for options. The place is essentially run by cheap imported labour and you will find plenty of Indian and Pakistanis doing the work. You will meet the local Arabs in more expensive establishments, but they rarely stoop to mix with tourists. The most genuine and interesting people we met were Arabs from non UAE countires working in Dubai.

As someone said, don't book a budget sand dune tour.
The Malls and souks are worth a visit. It is duty free but know your product before you buy.
The Dubai Museum (in the old fort on the creek)is a must see as it gives a more realistic history of the place without the bling.
The local drivers (very cheap to hire) can either be a huge bonus or just happy to roll out their standard tour. Again, choose selectively.

It is very hard to peel off the superficial layers and find anything genuine. If you are wealthy and pretentious, it is a perfect place to visit.

It is a fascinating place, an entrepreneurial feudal society, my daughters described as Disney Land on steroids. Keep that in mind and the place will make sense.

quote:

Originally posted by Wanderer:
I lived in Dubai a couple years and visit there occasionally. In fact I'm going next weekend. I always liked the souks and the fish market, stuff along the Creek, take a water taxi, the Dubai Museum, golf if you're a golfer, maybe take a day and go to Abu Dhabi. It's an easy place to visit and the people are friendly.

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Originally posted by Svinejakt:
If you go to Abu Dhabi. Book dinner for Emirates Palace. I had the best steak in my whole life there and I have had a couple of them Amazing place.
Emirates palace

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Originally posted by Fallow Buck:
March & April IIRC is prime time for Sailfish in the Gulf.

It is always strange to me that the gulf is not marketed as more of a fishing destination. My mates first ever time fishing and his first fish was 110lb sail fish. They landed 14 that day!!

Always worth a charter for the day especially if it ends with some dorado on the grill.

I really liked Abu Dhabi when I was there last year. In fact I like all the emirates. I find the people very hospitable and kind. You must understand local customs and realise you are not in the "western" world and your rules don't apply, so what is often misconstrued as aloof, is actually shyness in a way.

I don't know if it is still there, but Peppercrab in the Grand Hyatt served some of the best sea food I have had anywhere, and the Mud crab was AMAZING!!!

You will enjoy the UAE for sure.

Kiri

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Originally posted by Svinejakt:
Good for you, now just the final countdown
Take lots of pictures and have an awesome trip!

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Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Svinejakt:
Good for you, now just the final countdown
Take lots of pictures and have an awesome trip!

You bet!! Also thanks for your info on Dubai. We are already set up for the Friday Brunch.

quote:

Originally posted by Svinejakt:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Svinejakt:
Good for you, now just the final countdown
Take lots of pictures and have an awesome trip!

You bet!! Also thanks for your info on Dubai. We are already set up for the Friday Brunch.

Happy to help Where did you end up for friday brunch? I am a foodie and it`s no better way to spend a friday

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:


Al Qasr Brunch at Madinat Jumeirah

quote:

Originally posted by Svinejakt:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:


Al Qasr Brunch at Madinat Jumeirah

Nice, a tiny bit jealous